India’s Water Release Triggers High Flood Levels Across Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi Rivers, Threatening Urban and Rural Settlements
South Punjab continues to grapple with widespread devastation as a fresh surge of floodwaters inundates the region following India’s release of more water into the Sutlej River. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has declared a high-level flood situation, with alarming water flows recorded across key rivers — Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi — submerging low-lying areas and endangering towns including Jalalpur Pirwala, Alipur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
In Jalalpur Pirwala, the flood crisis deepened as the Sutlej’s rising levels placed immense pressure on embankments, leading to another dangerous breach. A tragic incident occurred when a rescue boat overturned, resulting in the death of a child, while 18 others were rescued. In Alipur, a similar accident claimed another child’s life, and five people are missing.
The Azmatpur embankment breach in Muzaffargarh’s Alipur tehsil has worsened the crisis, placing the historic city of Seetpur at severe risk. Several villages, including Khairpur Sadat, Khan Garh Doma, Kundarala, and Sultanpur, have been completely submerged.
According to flood forecasting data, very high flood levels were recorded at Ganda Singh Wala (182,188 cusecs), with continued high flow at Sulemanki and Islam headworks. While the Ravi River remained largely stable, the Chenab River showed rising trends, especially at Panjnad, with a staggering 598,731 cusecs flow noted. The Guddu Barrage recorded a temporary surge exceeding 500,000 cusecs, marking a brief high flood level, followed by fluctuating inflows that have left authorities puzzled.
Relief Commissioner Nabil Javaid stated that over 4,400 villages have been affected across the three rivers. Of the 4.2 million affected residents, nearly 2.2 million people have been relocated to safer areas. Relief efforts include the establishment of 404 relief camps, 488 medical camps, and 421 veterinary camps. More than 1.58 million animals have also been rescued.
The PDMA noted that the intensity of monsoon rains has decreased, suggesting no significant rise in river flows in the coming days. However, isolated rainfall is still forecasted in some northern regions.
Over 4.2 Million Affected as Floodwaters Submerge Thousands of Villages; Emergency Evacuations and Rescue Efforts Intensify
In Karachi, five deaths were reported following torrential rain and flash floods from the Kirthar range, which swelled the Lyari and Malir rivers. Affected areas such as Gadap, Scheme 33, and the M-9 motorway witnessed severe damage. Rescue teams, including Edhi Foundation and Rescue 1122, evacuated over 400 people, while a section of the Hub Canal, a gas pipeline, and part of the Malir Expressway were damaged. Schools remained closed temporarily, but are now set to reopen.
As Pakistan faces this deepening climate-induced crisis, the urgent need for long-term flood resilience planning and regional water-sharing dialogue becomes ever more apparent.
